Ontario Construction News staff writer
A group of developers, architects, builders and planners have joined forces to create an “environmentally responsible” vision for the Bridge-Bonaventure and Pointe-du-Moulins areas of Montreal.
The alliance includes Broccolini, Provencher Roy, Fahey & Associates, Lemay, ACDF Architecture, Neuf Architects, Cycle Capital, Groupe Devimco, Groupe Mach and COPRIM. Their plan is to create “comprehensive, human-scale living environments” to balance housing needs and job creation. The area will also include community spaces, retail development and a light-rail station.
Dubbed the “reurbanization” of one of Montreal’s most visible and attractive areas, the development will cost billions of dollars to tackle the city’s housing shortage, combat climate change by deterring urban sprawl.
“The proposed vision will have a positive impact on densification by creating more space for parks and waterfront paths, as well as community and cultural amenities. Prioritizing the design of more generous green spaces is a practical approach to improving the community’s quality of life,” said Louis Lemay, president of design and architecture firm Lemay.
“The Bridge-Bonaventure sector and Pointe-du-Moulin offer an excellent opportunity to propose a mixed residential offer that meets the needs of all.”
The 2.3 square-kilometre Bridge-Bonaventure and Pointe-du-Moulin sector straddles the Sud-Ouest and Ville-Marie boroughs, is near Old Montreal, and lies along the St. Lawrence River. It’s known as the southern gateway to downtown and includes Pointe-du-Moulin, Cite du Havre, the Peel and Wellington basins, and the Pointe Saint-Charles Triangle.
Members of the development alliance say because of urban sprawl and the climate emergency, opportunities for densification in the city centre are rare and must be seized.
“We want to contribute to thinking and constructive dialogue for the future of this one-of-a-kind sector,” explained Brian Fahey, president of Fahey & Associates. “We hope that the proposed development scenario will help the City of Montreal and all stakeholders to building on what has been learned in the COVID era and continue the work of urban revitalization that is so necessary in a sector like this, which forms a gateway to downtown.”
